Wests Tigers too good in Penrith thriller

It was Wests Tigers sixth consecutive win and sees them back in the top four.

It was a gutsy effort from the Panthers, coming back from 25-12 deficit following the loss of fullback Rhys Wesser who was forced from the field in the 64th minute. This was componded by the loss of winger Michael Gordon and forward Frank Pritchard as the Panthers appeared to be running out troops at the back end of proceedings.

But an earlier field goal, from Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah just before the half time break, ultimately secured a rare victory for the visitors in Penrith.

Played in magnificent sunshine in Sydney's west, it was the Panthers who struck first in the 21st minute through forward Frank Puletua.

Wests Tigers hit back in the 32nd minute with five eighth Liam Fulton capitalising following a high kick, Fulton leaping well to get over the top of opposing five eighth Peter Wallace.

Wests Tigers went further ahead two minutes later with winger Daniel Fitzhenry finishing a tremendous 50 metre break.

Farah slotted a one-pointer right in the stroke of half time, in would ultimately prove to be the killer blow.

At half time, the visitors led 13-6.

The Panthers surged back into contention soon after the break with winger Michael Gordon scoring out wide in the 44th minute. Gordon converted his own try from the sideline and the home side were trailing by one point.

Wests Tigers appeared to put the match beyond doubt with tries to Chris Lawrence (54th minute) and Ben Galea (60th minute). With the Panthers depleted, and trailing 25-12, things were looking ominous for the home side.

But Penrith didn't throw in the towel. With a packed house cheering them on, the Panthers turned on the pressure with Geoff Daniela scoring under the posts in the 74th minute.

Panthers winger Nick Youngquest scored out wide in the final minute of play. With time against them and trailing by three points, Penrith looked for a time out and appeared to be declining to take the kick. Following a mix up, Peter Wallace finally made the hurried attempt from the sideline, successfully adding the extras with the full time hooter sounding soon after.

26 min: Winger Nick Youngquest is away and racing for the Panthers but the play is called back for a foward pass on half way.

27 min: Wests Tigers counter attack through Whatuira who makes a bust and and attempts to set up his left winger. Whatuira then chances his arm and comes close. Some problems for the Panthers on their right side defence.

32 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Five eighth Liam Fulton snatches the ball after leaping to well placed bomb. Fulton beats his opposite Peter Wallace to the ball. Conversion attempt by Brett Hodgson successful from in front.
6 all

Wests Tigers looking like they have more to offer in attack and that may be the difference in the end. Panthers having trouble defending wide of the ruck. Penrith aren't out of it but they have some work to do.
News from the sheds is that Priddis is getting stitches following a cut.

48 min: ON REPORT Michael Gordon (Panthers) on report for a dangerous tackle.

54 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Rookie back Chris Lawrence scores a try on very narrow left side. Follows great movement from Wests Tigers with full back Brett Hodgson coming close only to be ankle tapped by front rower Joel Clinton. But Panthers defence looking shot and the Tiges capitalise. Sideline conversion attempt by Brett Hodgson is a ripper.
Wests Tigers 19-12

60 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Back rower Ben Galea scores in good position after being set up brilliantly by Hodgson. Tigers looking hard to stop now. Conversion attempt by Brett Hodgson successful.
Wests Tigers 25-12

64 min: Panthers full back Rhys Wesser forced off with might be a hamstring injury.

66 min: Both Gordon and Pritchard for the Panthers are forced off with injury.

70 min: Opportunities for both sides with Wests Tigers being called back for a knock on and the Panthers coming close at the other end before Wests Tigers knock the ball dead. Panthers again on the attack but the ball goes to ground.

73 min: Panthers on the attack, Youngquest looks likely to score if not for a try saver from Clinton. A double knock-on follows and Penrith are still in possession.

77 min: Another attacking raid from the Panthers but Wests Tigers bundle the ball carrier into touch and its all over red rover.

79 min: TRY Penrith Panthers
Nick Youngquest bursts down the sideline to score a tremendous try. With time all but gone, Penrith then attempt to decline to take the shot at goal, but following protests from Wests Tigers players, Peter Wallace is forced to take the shot from the sideline... and is successful following a hurried attempt. But it eats up the few precious seconds left and there's barely enough time for the restart. Conversion attempt by Peter Wallace successful.
Wests Tigers 25-24

Fulltime: Tigers 25-24

Wests Tigers win, the Robbie Farah field goal just before half time being the difference. But they come away deserving winners. A gutsy effort from the Panthers.